On March 27, Edina Student Council members Ajowa Agyekum and Carter Seifert delivered meals to the custodian lounge as a token of appreciation toward the Edina High School custodial staff. The appreciative efforts expand to the council’s larger focus on fostering an open environment within EHS following their organization of the school dances.
“Usually after big events like dances, we want to grab the opportunity to recognize most teachers and staff members, whether it’s like custodial appreciation or even March Madness,” Ageyekum said.
Student Council forms multiple committees on a one-month cycle, tasked with organizing drives, school-wide activities, or appreciation efforts. This spring, Agyekum and Seifert—along with council members DD Cortez, Kate Maloney, Logan Bracket, and Reid McCallister— were involved in a committee centered on highlighting the custodial staff. Along with the free lunches, the council members also created informational posters recognizing the custodians and their efforts. Custodian Leroy Shaw notes that the council has delivered the lunches for over 10 years.
“I appreciate them appreciating us because to keep this place going is a lot of work,” Shaw said, “It shows that they care.”
In previous years, the Student Council has also organized appreciative events for other sectors of staff, including paraprofessionals and teachers.
“It’s important for us to continue these appreciation events mainly because it’s a good feeling,” Agyekum said. “We are happy to make sure that those being appreciated know that they are well known for their kindness and everything they do for the school.”
Though the council’s post-dance committees remain less publicized, Maloney cites their significance to the Student Council’s agenda. “They seem smaller because the whole school isn’t necessarily involved in these kinds of events, but it’s a big part of what the student council does— just simply appreciating [everyone],” Maloney said.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 18, 2024
